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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Just a wee theory question.

Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/51549

haggis - Posted - 07/29/2019: 11:22:14

Question re. the Gb natural minor scale. Yes , one can think of it as F# minor but, as an academic exercise how does one name the notes in Gb natural minor?

alaskafiddler - Posted - 07/29/2019: 13:55:50

You don't really... Gb minor isn't really a key. Relative minor key of a major key... retains the sharps or flats.

The theoretic alternative would be to use total of 9 flats; (includes double flats); with the relative major as B double flat... scale would be Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Ab.

But since the major key is much easier thought of as simply A major with 3 sharps, the relative minor is F# minor with 3 sharps.

Lonesome Fiddler - Posted - 07/29/2019: 15:04:33

quote:
Originally posted by alaskafiddler

You don't really... Gb minor isn't really a key. Relative minor key of a major key... retains the sharps or flats.

The theoretic alternative would be to use total of 9 flats; (includes double flats); with the relative major as B double flat... scale would be Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Ab.

But since the major key is much easier thought of as simply A major with 3 sharps, the relative minor is F# minor with 3 sharps.

Great answer! I was stumped.

stumpkicker - Posted - 07/29/2019: 19:46:15

quote:
Originally posted by alaskafiddler

You don't really... Gb minor isn't really a key. Relative minor key of a major key... retains the sharps or flats.

The theoretic alternative would be to use total of 9 flats; (includes double flats); with the relative major as B double flat... scale would be Bbb, Cb, Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Ab.

But since the major key is much easier thought of as simply A major with 3 sharps, the relative minor is F# minor with 3 sharps.

Things like that make me miss my days a a Scruggs style banjo picker. Tune to an open G chord, wiggle your fingers, and change keys with a capo. Ahh sweet simplicity! 0==‘=:: ;-)